DOHA – Qatar coach Bruno Metsu is wary of Gulf Cup champions Kuwait in their must-win clash at the Asian Cup on Sunday, knowing they are desperate to salvage their reputation after two defeats. The host nation go into the game at Al Khalifa Stadium on three points in Group A, alongside China, with Uzbekistan on six points and Kuwait on none.
If they beat Kuwait and China either lose or draw with the Uzbeks, then they will be through to the knockout rounds.
Like Kuwait, they also have plenty at stake, especially since being named surprise 2022 World Cup hosts despite having no significant football pedigree.
In seven previous appearances at the tournament, they have only got that far once before — in 2000, when they made the quarter-finals.
Frenchman Metsu is taking nothing for granted against a team that upset Saudi Arabia to win the Gulf Cup last month.
“It won’t be easy against Kuwait. They don’t want to lose as they don’t want to finish with nothing, so we need to be ready mentally to get through this important game,” he said.
